-
Phoenix Junior College Opens Its Doors
PJC holds its first classes in 3 small cottages, offering alternative education paths for students not wishing to attend the University of Arizona. -
Period: to
Phoenix College, Then and Now
-
Student Government Organized
PJC forms its first official student government. -
PC Athletics
1st football team is established. PJC also held its 1st commencement where it graduated 5 students. -
PC Accreditation
In 1926-1927, our State Legislature passed a law that recognized junior colleges in Arizona. In 1928, PJC received formal NCA accreditation. -
Weekly Newspaper Established
The official school newspaper, "BearTracks" became a weekly newspaper. -
Evening Classes Begin
PJC begins holding evening classes, allowing more students the opportunity to pursue an education. -
New Building Constructed
Enrollment at PJC grew to over 600 students. Classes were free, although a $10 fee was assessed to each student to cover activities. In 1937 the Board of Education proposed the construction of a new JC facility, in the location it stands today on Thomas Rd. Construction began in 1938 and was completed by fall of 1939. At this time, PJC had 24 fulltime professors, who taught a variety of disciplines. -
Nursing Students
PC begins training 30 female students as Cadet Nurses. This is the first program of its kind in Arizona. -
25th Anniversary
By the time of PJC's 25th anniversary it was considered one of 15 outstanding JC in the nation. Enrollment grew to over 2200 students by 1951, with more than half of the students attending classes in the evening. -
Nursing Program
A formal 2 year nursing program is established. -
District Expansion
PC joins the Maricopa Community College District governing board. Glendale and Mesa campuses were set up as extensions of PC. -
Dental Hygiene Program
The first dental hygiene program begins at PC. -
Program Offerings Expand
By 1976, PC offers programs in Electronics, Engineering, Drafting, Building Construction, Criminal Justice, Dental Hygiene, Nursing, Medical Records Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Biomedical Technology. The campus grew from 3 cottages to 18 permanent buildings and 6 portable buildings that span a 55 acre piece of land. -
School Mascot and Colors Chosen
In 1978 the Associated Students drafted and adopted constitutions that represented the Student Body. The school's mascot of Bumstead the Bear was chosen and blue and gold were selected as the official school colors. -
Mission Statement
In 1994, PC adopted a new Mission Statement: "PC is a comprehensive community college responsive to the changing needs of the community and to individuals pursuing academic, occupational, developmental and personal achievement goals. The college is dedicated to providing educational course, programs and support services". -
ACE Program
One of the great things about community colleges is that they provide an avenue for students to obtain an education in smaller class settings, with instructors who have real-world job experience that they can share with their students. In 2002, PC inducted a new program called "Achieving a College Education, or ACE, a program that targets at-risk high school and college coursework, while participating in activities that aim to mentor and guide them. -
Vision Statement
The new Vision Statement of PC asserts the colleges committment to teaching and learning; "PC will be the premier provider of learning opportunities for our community to go far, close to home. This vision affirms to their commitment to providing a positive learning environment to a diverse community. -
Enrollment Blossoms
By 2010, over 20,000 students call PC home, and it provides employment to over 1000 people, including 400 fulltime faculty, 600 adjunct faculty. PC has re-shaped fro 25 departments down to 17 instructional departments, consoladating to provide more efficiency.
